We live three miles from Nottingham City centre, to the west. The weather map has often looked promising in the last week with rain on its way but each time it has just missed us!

We have been picking ripe tomatoes for two weeks now. Interesting that the outdoor ones which are in full sun are ripening quicker than those in the greenhouse, which goes into shade at 1.00pm. I went a bit mad ordering tomato seeds this year, basically I ordered anything which claims blight resista...

Very interesting reading these earlier posts about the sizzling hot weather. We had rain on 30th May but then none until 27th July. Even then, not much. But over the weekend 28/29 July there was more. I could almost hear the garden sighing with relief. In the non-stop searing heat, hedges, shrubs an...

Proper rain forecast here for tomorrow, the first for us since 30th May. Fingers crossed, eh! Looking forward to being able to use the water butt again!

Hello Retropants, I feel your pain, carrying buckets of water down the stairs. I have only used the bath once lately, for washing sheets (as referred to in an earlier post), but lugging the water downstairs was really hard work. However, having picked 2kg of French beans this evening, the recipients...

At the time of writing, we still have not had any rain here since 30th May. I mentioned in an earlier post about saving grey water from the kitchen, and in the daylight we wee in the compost. I guess we could use a bucket at night, but last time I had to do this my aim wasn't very successful! It's e...

Just a thought, the problem at the moment is not just about water saving, but perhaps also about reducing the need to water. Mulching, yes, great idea. Would you recommend compost from bin? Hops from the local brewery? No lawn cuttings at the moment! What about cutting back those shrubs, bushes and ...

Hi everyone, This baking hot weather and inevitable water shortage makes you think, doesn't it, so I'm looking forward to reading your tips for water saving. This is us: We too put grey water from the kitchen sink bowl onto the garden to keep worthy causes alive, usually the apple tree. They store w...

Despite my enthusiasm and "I'll go and do it now" comment, I never did set those parsnip seeds. And a good job I didn't because as Primrose says, this extreme heat and drought will have put paid to any little seedlings! Here in Nottingham we have not had rain since May 30th. The heat has b...

Harvested garlic today. Do I dry them with the stems on?

Delighted to say that 9 out of the 11 yellow courgette seeds provided FREE WITH KG MAGAZINE and set on 6th June have already germinated. Two of the green variety are now appearing - it's the 13th June today. Looks as if we will have enough courgette plants! Even if we only get a small, late crop it ...

Thanks everyone. Today's the day. Interesting that Westi had the same problem with Courgette seeds. PlumPudding set the free seeds and they all germinated so the free with KG seeds are obviously viable.

Thanks very much. The seeds are this year's so I'll sow some today. In fact, I'll do it right now.

We have been growing veg here in our garden since moving in 1981 and since day one any seeds we sow directly in the soil seem to disappear. It seems to be a common problem. Mice, slugs, something eats them. So we have to grow everything in containers and modules before planting out good sized plants...

I agree with Monika and others who leave the skins on when making tomato soup. I do the same for bottled tomato ketchup and sauce. A good blitz with a stick blender does the trick. I do not roast the tomatoes first, I just chop the ingredients roughly, tomatoes, onion, celery, carrot and add a bay l...